# LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. t\ 



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{UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.} 



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, ; , 






^ PRAYERS 

ir 

7/" 

OFFERED IN THE 

MASSACHUSETTS 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 

During the Session of 1868, 



BY THE CHAPLAIN, 

WILLIAM R. ALGER. 



7 



* 






/ 

BOSTON: 

ROBERTS BROTHERS. 

1868. 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1868, by 

ROBERTS BROTHERS, 

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. 



University press : welch, bigelow, & Co., 
Cambridge. 



* 



PREFACE 



THE occasion of the publication of the follow- 
ing Prayers will appear from the subjoined 
correspondence : — 

House of Representatives, June 12, 1868. 
" Rev. William R. Alger, Chaplain : — 

" Dear Sir : In the remarks made to you by the Speaker of 
the House when presenting, on behalf of the members, a watch 
and chain as a token of their regard and esteem, and of their 
appreciation of your services as Chaplain of the House of Rep- 
resentatives during the session now closing, the members heard 
with gratification the announcement that the prayers which they 
had listened to with so much pleasure from day to day had 
been written out by one of the reporters at the request of the 
Speaker, and were at the disposal of the members. 

11 So general a desire was expressed to possess copies of them, 
that an informal meeting of the members was held, at which 
the undersigned were selected as a committee to request you 
to consent to the publication of the prayers thus reported. 

" It gives us personally great pleasure to make this request on 
their behalf, that they may be permitted to have in a permanent 
form what was so interesting from day to day, and is now so 
agreeably remembered. 

" We are your friends and obedient servants, 

"NEWELL A. THOMPSON, 
DEXTER S. KING, 
JOSEPH S. POTTER, 
NOAH M. GAYLORD, 
WILLIAM HOWLAND, 
JOHN MORRISSEY, Serjeant-at-Arms: 



Committee of 

members of 

the House of 

Representatives. 



* * 



* 



Preface. 

Boston, June 14, 1868. 

" Respected Sirs : — 

" In deference to your wish, I willingly waive all scruples, 
and yield to the printing of the prayers which it has been my 
duty and privilege to offer within your hearing during the legis- 
lative session just ended. A Greek philosopher once defined 
prayer as 'a flight of the alone to the Alone,' — a solitary in- 
terview of the finite spirit with the Infinite Spirit. That is cer- 
tainly one element in all true prayer ; yet other elements also 
belong to prayers in which the worshipper represents not mere- 
ly himself, but likewise the body of men in whose presence and 
behalf, as well as his own, he worships. 

" If such a desire be not too presumptuous, may the prayers 

herewith submitted to print win the same favorable attention 

through your eyes which they originally won through your ears. 

On you, gentlemen, and on those you represent, may every 

blessing descend. So prays he who, honored in being your 

servant for a season, will deem himself happy in being your 

friend while life lasts. 

"William R. Alger. 

" Hon. Newell A. Thompson, and others, Committee." 

The proceedings referred to in the foregoing cor- 
respondence took place on the morning of Wednes- 
day, June 10. 

After the opening of the House by prayer, on mo- 
tion of Mr. King of Boston, the House took a recess 
of fifteen minutes. 

The Speaker of the House, Hon. Harvey Jewell, 
then said : — 

" The members of the House, who have with so much interest 
and pleasure listened to the devotional exercises of their Chap- 
lain during the session now about to close, have desired to ex- 



* 



Preface. 

press their feelings toward him by some substantial token, and 
have procured a watch and chain which they have placed in my 
hands, desiring me to present them to him on their behalf, and 
this recess is now taken for that purpose." 

The Speaker, then addressing Mr. Alger, spoke as 
follows : — 

"Sir: — The official position which I occupy in the House 
of Representatives has made the members ask me to perform a 
service on their behalf, the execution of which is no less agree- 
able to me than the inception and completion of it has been to 
them. Sir, your friends among the members of the House, — 
I do them and you wrong, — your friends the members of the 
House, have been desirous of expressing to you in some substan- 
tial and tangible manner their high respect for your person and 
character, and their complete and thorough appreciation of the 
manner in which you have discharged the duty of Chaplain dur- 
ing the present session. They therefore have caused to be pro- 
cured, and ask your acceptance of, this watch and chain as a faint 
token of their friendship for you and their respect for your office. 

" You were at the time of your election personally unknown 
to most of the members of this House. Of course, sir, their 
choice was not then the result of personal regard or considera- 
tions of personal friendship, but was the legitimate and proper 
consequence of your public reputation, both as a clergyman and 
as a scholar. Our ancestors wisely introduced the usage of se- 
lecting a Chaplain for each of the two Houses of the legislature, 
and from the earliest to the present time, each day's session of 
either branch has been commenced with prayers to Almighty 
God. It is not wonderful if, in the lapse of time, and in the va- 
riety of persons who from year to year are called to fill these 
places and conduct these services, there should have been those 
who performed them in a manner so monotonous or in a style 
so objectionable and in some instances so offensive, that these 
religious services have at times failed of what ought to be their 

* 



Preface. 

proper effect, and the attendance of members at the opening 
hour has sometimes been small, and their manner, if not unde- 
vout, inattentive. But, sir, such has not been the case during 
the present session. From the first day to the last the hour of 
daily prayer has found a large proportion of the members in 
their places, and no religious assembly was ever more silent or 
attentive than has been this body during all your religious ser- 
vices here. Almost daily, from the first day of the session, I 
have heard from members expressions of pleasure, often of de- 
light, as they referred to these devotional exercises. I suppose, 
sir, no one who has not had the trial knows how hard is the 
task to clothe the language of supplication in such new garb, 
from day to day, as to awaken new interest in the listeners and 
avoid that monotony which tires and palls upon the hearer. So 
difficult is it, that the Catholic Church and one great branch of 
the Protestant Church preferred to set forth forms of supplica- 
tion adapted to each of the great wants of mortality, and extem- 
pore prayer is thus replaced by those enduring forms which, 
though less effective aids to devotion in particular instances, 
always express the wants of our common nature and turn our 
thoughts to the great Source of all things. 

" How hard is the labor of the Chaplain of this House, to 
utter in few and brief words that will not weary, and yet in 
ever-varying and changing phrase, those simple thoughts that 
express our dependence upon the Divine Creator of all things, 
in whom 'we live and move and have our being,' and our daily 
need of his support and guidance. That you have been able 
to make this exercise a pleasure to the members of the House, 
their unanimous verdict is a sufficient testimonial. So much 
was I myself struck at the beginning of the session by your fe- 
licity in these respects, that I procured one of the reporters in 
attendance on the House to make reports of these devotional 
exercises for myself, and I have them now fairly written out for 
the examination of any person who may desire to peruse them. 

" Sir, again on behalf of the members of the House of Repre- 



Preface. 

sentatives I return you their thanks and my own for the most 
acceptable manner in which you have discharged the duties of 
your office. I beg you, in their name, to accept this token of 
their respect, esteem, and affection, with the hope that as day 
by day it indicates to you the passage of time, it may also recall 
not unpleasant memories of the House of Representatives of 
Massachusetts of the year 1868." 

The Chaplain responded : — 

"Dear Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen Representatives, my 
Friends : The amount of business demanding your attention 
would make any prolonged remarks from me impertinent at 
this time, and I shall suppress much it would give me pleasure 
to utter. It has been remarked by a cynical author, that with 
a plentiful supply of four metals any man can go easily through 
the world, — silver in the tongue, gold in the pocket, brass in 
the face, and iron in the heart. Now, although your encourag- 
ing appreciation will perhaps add a little silver to my tongue, 
and this watch will certainly cause me to have more gold in my 
pocket, I trust a true modesty will keep all additional brass 
from my cheek, and I am sure that there will be even less iron 
than before in my heart, owing to the new emotions of gratitude 
and good-will planted there by your kindness. Gentlemen, al- 
low me to deprecate your excessive praise by returning the 
share due to your own generosity ; for if my words of prayer 
have proved impressive, it is due at least as much to your sen- 
sibility as to my merit. Prayers belong to a province scarcely 
amenable to common criticism, and one which should be wholly 
free from vanity or other form of personal obtrusion. I will 
therefore only say that I have deemed it a duty to avoid, in 
these exercises, by earnest sincerity of thought and feeling, all 
merely conventional phrases and mechanical repetitions, and 
never to allow them to become the vehicles of political opinions 
or partisan prejudices. 

" Charles the First gave Jeremy Taylor a watch bearing the 

< vii >J< 



* 



Preface. 

Scriptural motto, Nesatis horam y — 'Ye know not the hour/ 
The hapless king soon ascended the scaffold ; the good bishop 
not long after climbed the heaven. And where are giver and 
recipient now? But the gift still remains (as this kind one of 
yours will when all of us have gone to dust), preaching its mys- 
terious moral to every eye that sees it, tacitly suggesting jthe sol- 
emn words of the Master, ' Watch ! and what I say unto you I 
say unto all, watch.' 

" Your approbation, gentlemen, and this rich token of your 
favor, I shall value to the latest day of my life. I thank you all 
from the very bottom of my heart. May you and I keep such 
good time that eternity shall bring us no regret. 

" And now, Mr. Speaker, to you personally how can I ex- 
press the esteem, the friendship, the high hopes which, in com- 
mon with all the members of the House, I cherish for you ? I 
gladly and gratefully join the great crowd of your friends in 
congratulating you on the possession of a nature so finely fitting 
the name you wear. As we have met here from day to day 
through the series of dark and cloudy weeks which have signal- 
ized the past season, your frank and affectionate greeting, never 
once failing me, has been an invariable sunbeam of the heart. 
My heart rushes into my tongue and my eyes, as I devoutly 
say, God bless you ! May your future career be as honorable 
as your past ! Not for yourself merely do I wish it, but for 
your country ; for the State flourishes when such men climb. 
I believe all here will join me in saying to our good old mother, 
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in the words of Shake- 
speare : — 

* We must entreat yon, honor us so much 
As to advance this Jewel ; accept it and wear it.' " 



* 



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PRAYERS 



FOR 



A LEGISLATURE. 



* 



I. 



A S we meet, O Lord, in this hall of legis- 
^ lation, we would first unitedly turn our 
thoughts unto Thee in prayer. Glory and praise 
be unto Thee forever. We live on thy bounty, 
and we trust in thy mercy. O that in every- 
thing we may always humbly surrender ourselves 
to thy guidance ! May all that we do be accept- 
able in thy sight, and increase that public wel- 
fare of which we are called to be the guardians 
and the servants. We ask it in the name of the 
great exemplar and teacher of the world. 



* 



II. 



f~\ THOU Almighty Sovereign, from whom 
^-^^ every blessing proceeds, we would rev- 
erently take thy name on our lips and hallow it 
in our hearts. We beseech Thee to give us wis- 
dom, purity, and earnestness for the faithful dis- 
charge of all our duties. We pray to Thee for 
the overthrow and removal of every evil from 
among our people, and for the increase and per- 
fection of every good institution and custom. 
As thy blessing was with our fathers, so may it 
be with us and our children forever. And all 
the praise and glory shall be thine alone. 



* 3 * 



* 



III. 

/^v LORD God of heaven and earth, inex- 
^-^ haustible fountain of wisdom and mercy, 
unto whom men and nations should ever look for 
guidance, we implore Thee to accept our hom- 
age, to forgive our transgressions, and so to in- 
spire our hearts and minds that all our duties 
may be becomingly fulfilled. We pray that the 
spirit of justice and brotherly love may prevail 
throughout our land, and bring forth its fruits in 
perfection. We beseech Thee to command thy 
benediction to rest on all our country in its na- 
tional and domestic interests. And unto Thee 
alone shall be ascribed the honor and the thanks 
for ever and ever. 



»fr 4 * 



* 



IV. 



TNFINITE Majesty, before whom all beings 
■*• should bow in mingled love and awe, once 
more we bring our humble tribute of adoration. 
O condescend to accept our offering and to smile 
on thy votaries. Withhold not thy Spirit from 
any one of us, but let it lead us in the ways of 
truth and virtue. Let it make us gracious to 
one another, and pleasing to Thee. We invoke 
thy favor on these representatives and lawgivers 
of the people. May our State, our Nation, be 
carried forward in the paths of excellence and 
happiness, until it shall be a model for the whole 
earth. 



* 



* 



V. 



TT 7E bow in adoration at the thought of 
* * Thee, O thou Infinite God, Creator of 
heaven and earth, and Father of souls. As we 
come up here to fill our several offices, we would 
put far away from us all unrighteousness, pride, 
and self-will. O let thy Spirit give us wisdom, 
and make us holy and pure. Wilt Thou preside 
in our councils, rule in our rulers, and make our 
people a happy people, all whose laws shall be 
justice and love. We ask it for the sake of the 
mercy certified to us in the Saviour. 



VI. 



A LMIGHTY Sovereign, Supreme Judge of 
^ men and angels, to thine august name 
we bring the tribute of our deepest homage. 
Sensible of our unworthiness and of our igno- 
rance, we look to Thee for pardon and for 
knowledge. From our weakness and our temp- 
tations we cry to Thee for light and deliverance. 
We would fain conform our doings to thy laws. 
O, in our private characters and lives, in our 
public stations and duties, may thine aid be our 
sufficiency evermore. And all the praise shall 
be thine. 



* 



VII. 

INCONCEIVABLE Creator and Ruler of 
A the universe, we lift our souls to Thee in 
praise and prayer. Glory be to Thee from all 
thy works. Submission, obedience, and thanks 
be to Thee from all thy creatures. May thy 
will be throned in our wills. May thy love 
purify and hallow our affections ; so that, what- 
ever we do, our action may be wholesome and 
benignant for the society in which we live, and 
for the country to which we belong. We im- 
plore Thee graciously to answer our prayer for 
thy mercy's sake. 



* * 



VIII. 

HEAVENLY Father and Governor of men 
and nations, who decreest justice for the 
whole earth, we worship Thee for thy perfec- 
tions in Thyself, and we thank Thee for thy mer- 
cies unto us. We pray that thy pure Spirit may 
breathe through us all, animating our desires 
and sanctifying our deeds. Command thy bless- 
ing to rest on every good institution or influ- 
ence in our country, and let thy love overrule 
and subdue unto itself every evil thing among 
us, that our people may be saved from sin and 
misery, and thy name be glorified. 



* 



IX. 

A UTHOR of light and good, whose mercies 
** ^ are over all the works of thy hands, again, 
with fresh vows of allegiance and love, we turn 
to Thee. Our ways are all bare to thine inspec- 
tion ; may they ever be such as shall win thine 
approval. We would bring to the fulfilment of 
our public offices a spirit of patient carefulness 
and magnanimity. Wilt Thou watch over our 
deliberations, and lead them to good results 
alone. For the sake of our need and of thy 
mercy we implore it. 



* 



X. 



A UTHOR of nature and Supreme Ruler of 
men, possessing every perfection in Thy- 
self Thou needest nothing from us. But Thou 
art pleased when thy children sincerely worship 
Thee. And when they bring to thine altar pure 
desires, and faithful efforts to obey Thee, and to 
love and serve one another and their country, 
Thou wilt never reject their offerings. In be- 
half of these thy servants, on whom important 
responsibilities are laid, we supplicate the pres- 
ence and aid of thy Spirit. O kindly listen to 
our prayer, and accept the homage we ascribe to 
thy name. 



* 



* 



XI. 



OOVEREIGN Friend and Ruler of men, 
^ humbly we offer Thee our thanks for all 
thy favors, and implore thy grace to keep us 
from sin, and to guide us to the fulfilment of 
every duty. We bless the providence which has 
given us faculties so exalted, homes so pleasant, 
friends so dear, a country so great and free, and 
such eternal hopes anchored behind the veil. 
May we be true to the obligations imposed by 
such unmerited and inspiring privileges. Lift 
from us the shadow of every public wrong, and 
purge us from the poison of every private vice. 
Our fellows may depart, objects around may 
deceive, even the desires within may fail ; but 
O be Thou our sufficing Companion, whatever 
fortunes betide us, in whatever worlds we wander* 



* 



* 



XII. 

r N spirit we kneel to adore Thee, O thou Infi- 
nite Spirit ! Grant us the reverential mind 
and the pure heart, that we may acceptably 
adore Thee. Withhold not thine inspiration 
from us, but let it guide us to wisdom and duty 
in all things. Thanking Thee, O God, for the 
extreme richness of our blessings in this free and 
favored land, we pray that all our people, from 
the highest to the lowest, may be faithful to their 
political and moral obligations. And as thine is 
the power, so shall the glory be thine. 



* I3 * 



* 



XIII. 

A LMIGHTY God and Father, we devoutly 
recognize and confess thy supreme claims 
for our reverence, our obedience, and our grate- 
ful love. Wholly dependent on Thee for all that 
we hope as well as for all that we are, what less 
acknowledgment can we offer than a humble and 
earnest conformity to thy commands ? We pray 
for the aid of thy Spirit, that we may render 
this service in all the relationships of our lives, 
private and public. Be pleased to answer our 
prayer, and to accept the worship we pay Thee. 



H 



* i4 * 



* * 



XIV. 

/""** OD, of whose infinite perfections the mate- 
^^ rial universe is but a faint gleam, we are 
filled with wonder, love, and awe when we med- 
itate upon Thee. Thy ways are a great deep : 
how can we ever understand Thee ! Ah, it is 
not needful that we should understand, but only 
that we should worship and obey, Thee. We 
humbly confess our sin, our folly, our weakness ; 
and we look to Thee alone for pardon and de- 
liverance. O grant us thy Spirit, and we will 
ascribe endless praise to thy name. 



15 



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XV. 

T MMORTAL honors be to thy name, Al- 
■*- mighty God. Day and night, sunshine and 
snow, seed-time and harvest, bear witness to thy 
power and wisdom. And when we reflect on 
the innumerable blessings with which Thou 
hast strewed our lives, and the signal privileges 
which distinguish us as a people, we cannot 
avoid feeling that Thou art good indeed. May 
the lives we lead, the laws we pass, the insti- 
tutions we sustain, correspond with the provi- 
dential favors we enjoy. Lead us not into 
temptation, Lord, but deliver us from evil : 
for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the 
glory, for ever and ever. 



16 



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XVI. 

/^^ OD of the universe and Parent of man- 
^-^ kind, Thou hast established a perfect 
order in thy works, and Thou requirest thy 
creatures ever to observe a kindred order in 
their ways. We confess and mourn the con- 
fusions, caused by sin, in the souls of men and 
in the governments of nations. We lament 
the discord and misery that prevail below. We 
long for a clearer perception of thy law, and a 
closer conformity to it. We pray for the fuller 
harmony of earthly institutions with heavenly 
principles. Smile, Father, on our just desires. 
As thy will is done on high, so cause it to 
be done in this world, for the redemption of 
men from evil, and the fulfilment of thy king- 
dom in righteousness. 



17 



* 



XVII. 

A LL-RIGHTEOUS and all-merciful Gov- 
-^ *• ernor of heaven and earth, we would de- 
voutly magnify thy name and praise thy good- 
ness. Tracing the works of thy hands in im- 
mensity, or studying the ways of thy Spirit in 
our souls, we are filled with wonder and grati- 
tude. In the closet would we worship Thee 
in truth ; and in this public place, in the com- 
pany of the counsellors and before the interests 
of the State, we would offer a sincere homage 
at thy throne. O let thy Holy Spirit govern 
in all that we do, in all that we desire ; that 
not our lips alone, but our conduct also, may 
praise Thee. 



* l8 * 



* 



XVIII. 

TNFINITE Presence, from whom we can 
-*- never be absent, however often we may 
forget Thee, we now renewedly own thy sover- 
eignty, and offer Thee our service. Help us 
acceptably to worship and serve Thee in all 
our deeds. May our hands ever be clean from 
bribes, our hearts pure from base desires, our 
minds free from the clouds of passion and false- 
hood. Make us co-workers with thy providence 
for the removal of the vices and sufferings of 
men. O smile on every province and inter- 
est of our beloved country. Make us a united 
and happy people, zealous of good works, de- 
voted to liberty and virtue, an example to the 
world. We ask it in the name of Christ. 



19 



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XIX. 

OOURCE of power, Spirit of good, we are 
^ often unmindful of Thee amidst the pres- 
sure and hurry of material toils and cares ; but 
the first moment of thought overwhelms us with 
awe, opening on our souls the certainty of thy 
presence, with all thy solemn attributes. May 
thy Spirit keep us ever mindful of our duty to 
be grateful for thy mercies and obedient to thy 
laws. May our public institutions be conformed 
to thy will, and our private lives be purified by 
thy love. O Lord, forgive our sins, correct our 
errors, and lead us constantly in the straight 
and pleasant paths of righteousness, for thy 
name's sake. 



* 2 ° * 



XX. 

Q UPREME Parent and Ruler of all, who giv- 
est thy creatures every good gift they en- 
joy, thanksgiving and honor be to Thee from 
all forever. We humbly invoke thine aid in 
the discharge of our duties. Lend us thy light, 
that we may see the truth ; and thy love, that 
we may find our dearest pleasure in obeying it. 
Grant thy blessing to every portion of our land. 
May the attractions of thy will draw the habits 
of our people and the institutions of our country 
into such entire harmony with thy purposes, 
that this nation may become the pride and joy 
of the whole earth. 



* 2l * 



* 



XXI. 

/^\ GOD, Infinite Spirit who hast made all 
^^^ things by the power of Thy wisdom, and 
dost govern all things by the laws of thy love, 
we are the recipients of thy bounty, and we 
would be the glorifiers of thy name. Dispel 
our darkness by thy light ; cleanse our defile- 
ment by thy purity ; overcome our iniquities 
by thy righteousness. In all our counsels and 
deeds may we seek, in the spirit of the divine 
Master, the prosperity and honor of our country, 
the welfare of our fellow-men, and the advance- 
ment of thy kingdom throughout the world. 
And thine alone shall be the glory forevermore. 



* 22 * 



XXII. 

OOLITARY and everlasting Sovereign, be- 
neath whose inspection the generations of 
men play their brief parts on earth and vanish 
into eternity, as all bounties and blessings pro- 
ceed from Thee, so should all honors and praises 
be paid unto Thee. Day unto day and night 
unto night declare thy glory, and from age to 
age thy worship shall sound without end. May 
we take pattern after the virtues and beneficent 
achievements of those who have gone before us ; 
and may we take warning from their vices and 
shame. The good which we have inherited may 
we diligently seek to transmit, brightened and 
increased, paying the debt we owe to our ances- 
try by the blessings we bequeath to our posterity. 
In the name of Christ we pray for thy bless- 
ing on all classes of men, all nations of the earth, 
and ascribe to Thee immortal love and homage. 



23 



XXIII. 

A li J ITH profound humility and veneration, 
Almighty Lord, we kneel before Thee in 
spirit. With grateful trust we lift our thoughts 
to Thee in prayer. O purify us from everything 
unworthy, and fill us with divine light and love 
and peace. Smile on this favored land ; inspire 
its rulers and perfect its institutions. Deliver 
our people from every jealous prejudice or ani- 
mosity, and blend all their hearts in one spirit 
of patriotic emulation and moral devotedness. 
May our palaces be prosperity, our walls be jus- 
tice, and our gates be praise. For the sake of 
thine infinite mercy we implore Thee to grant 
our prayer, and make us all thy sincere ser- 
vants ; that at thy name every knee may bow 
and every tongue confess thy glory, world with- 
out end. 



24 



* 



XXIV. 

^ ING of kings and Lord of lords, who canst 
A ^ have no rival nor companion in thy 
boundless perfections, in the chorus of worship 
which rolls up before Thee from all worlds, we 
too would bear a humble part, taking thy name 
on our lips with awe, and ascribing to Thee eter- 
nal majesty and praise. We desire to adore 
Thee, not with words and forms alone, but also 
with our thoughts, our affections, and our lives. 
Be pleased, Almighty Sovereign, to look with fa- 
vor on our State and Nation. Let thy law be 
the guide, thy love the inspiration, alike of those 
who should rule and of those who should obey. 
May intelligence, virtue, liberty, and gladness 
spread among all people, and thy will be done 
over the whole earth as it is done in heaven. 



25 



.* 



XXV. 

A GAIN, O Lord, as we meet in this hall of 
^ *• legislation, we unitedly take thy name on 
our lips and implore thy blessing on our labors. 
In all that we here do, may our supreme motive 
be the honor of thy law and the welfare of our 
people. Deliver us from every ignoble passion, 
all partisan animosities, and animate us with a 
single desire in everything to serve the cause of 
truth and good. Knowing our own weakness, 
Heavenly Father, we pray Thee not to lead us 
into temptation, but to deliver us from evil. For 
thine is the kingdom and the power and the 
glory forever. 



* 



26 



XXVI. 

A LMIGHTY and Eternal Majesty of heaven 
^ and earth, as we meet once more in this 
place to take counsel together on the interests 
of our State, we invoke thy blessing on our 
consultations. We desire to be ever conscious 
of thy presence and of our obligations. We 
pray for thine aid in advancing the true inter- 
ests of men everywhere. May truth and justice 
and freedom and happiness prevail, not only in 
our own country, but in all the world. O save 
us and all our fellow-men from every form of sin 
and misery ; and be all the honor thine own. 



27 



* 



* 



XXVII. 

OUPREME Lawgiver of the universe, Par- 
ent of all intelligences, Thou art the giver 
of every good gift, and the object of every pure 
adoration. Assembling once more for the ful- 
filment of our public duties, we supplicate the 
best auspices of thy Spirit on our deliberations. 
We are grateful to Thee for our lives, with the 
multitude of accompanying privileges. We are 
thankful for the example of our fathers. Our 
hearts melt within us when we think of their 
hardships, their sacrifices, and the rich blessings 
purchased for us by their noble fidelity. May 
we be as faithful in our generation as they were 
in theirs, and leave for those who shall come 
after us an untarnished record of character and 
a priceless heritage of social welfare. And when 
we shall long have been forgotten in our graves, 
may this continent, crowded from shore to shore 
with a united and happy people, under one flag, 
be the home of impartial liberty, universal edu- 
cation, and moral purity, for ages without end. 



28 



* 



XXVIII. 

T TNIVERSAL Father, who by thy provi- 
^ dence watchest over all thy works and 
suppliest the wants of all creatures, as from day 
to day we come up into this public place, may 
we come with reverential minds and pure pur- 
poses. May the sentiment of patriotism, the 
spirit of philanthropy, the love of truth and vir- 
tue, glow afresh in our breasts. May we be 
drawn together in charity and good-will by the 
attraction of common allegiances. Free us all, 
O God, from every hateful passion, and help us 
to serve our country and our Maker with an ac- 
ceptable service, for thy name's sake. 



* 



29 



* 



XXIX. 

T NSCRUTABLE God, we worship Thee with 
■*• wondering faith, lost in the immensity of 
thine attributes. Although thy being is a mys- 
tery which we can never fathom, thy command- 
ments are no mysteries, but plain to the simplest 
mind. Would that we might all be as willing to 
do our duties as we are able to understand them ! 
To deal justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly 
before Thee, is the sum of what Thou askest of 
us. Ah, help us, Father, as Thou seest that we 
need thy help, to resist temptation and over- 
come evil with good. 



30 



* 



XXX. 



A UTHOR of nature and God of grace, em- 
■**' bosomed in thy providence, dependent on 
thy Spirit for every good, we come before Thee 
with devout acknowledgments of thy sovereign- 
ty, confessing our sin and weakness, and implor- 
ing thy paternal pardon and guidance. Give us 
singleness of eye, that we may discern the prin- 
ciples of a sound policy in all things. Free us 
from every sinister motive that would pervert our 
deeds from an unalloyed righteousness and good- 
will. God of our fathers, we beseech thy ben- 
edictions on the civic holiday which the dawn- 
ing morrow will bring to our land. We thank 
Thee for the life and memory of Washington. 
May the spiritual presence of his august charac- 
ter, solemnly brooding over our whole nationality, 
charged with moral power, deeply impress every 
American heart. May it awe down the selfish 
passions in the breasts of demagogues, and kin- 
dle still higher in the souls of patriots the fires of 
noble sentiments ; thus continuing from heaven 
that benignant influence on our country which 
he began while living in the flefsh. 



XXXI. 

ORD of the creation, Supreme Arbiter of 
^— ^ events, assembling here once more for our 
high duties, we first of all turn our thoughts 
and affections to Thee in humble prayer. Glory- 
be to thy name forever. Grace and peace be 
from thy Spirit unto our spirits. Impart to us 
the knowledge of our duty, with the determina- 
tion to do it. May we have charity for the of- 
fences of others, penitential sorrow for our own. 
While true to our own convictions, may we have 
respect and forbearance for those of our associ- 
ates. We pray in behalf of all occupants of high 
offices of trust and honor in our land. May 
thy Spirit, and not the spirit of self-will, a dis- 
interested devotion to the welfare of their coun- 
try, and no meaner passion, animate and guide 
them. Allay and abate in them those vices 
which have ever been the ruin of nations ; and 
grant that our country, which ought to be as 
prosperous and happy as it is great and free, 
may move serenely forward to the fulfilment of 
its appropriate destiny. 

* " * 



* 



XXXII. 

A NCIENT of Days, Everlasting Sovereign 
■** ^ over all, before whom our fathers walked 
in their generation, and our children must stand 
in theirs, we ascribe immortal honors and thanks 
unto Thee. Help us to be grateful for our priv- 
ileges, mindful of our obligations, and docile to 
the instructions of thy Spirit. May our rulers 
be wise and modest ; our people orderly, indus- 
trious, and pure : Thou Thyself being not only 
our Lawgiver and Judge, but also our immuta- 
ble Friend and Saviour. Thus may it come to 
pass that all the institutions and lives within 
our borders shall conspire at once to bless us 
and to praise Thee. We ask it in the name 
of Christ. 



33 



* 



* * 



XXXIII. 

TTEAR us, O God, while we direct our 
1 prayer to Thee, and let thy mercy vouch- 
safe us a gracious answer. Called to this place 
by the voice of the people, to legislate for the 
interests of our beloved Commonwealth, we 
pray that our motives may be pure, that our 
counsels may be wise, and that our enactments 
may be just and benignant. 

Forgive, O Lord, our errors and sins; and 
strengthen all the good influences of education, 
morality, and religion among us. We pray for 
every State in our Union, and for the great 
Union itself, that thy providence may defend 
it, thy law rule it, thy love guide and bless it, 
till time shall be no more. 



34 



XXXIV. 

1" NFINITE Being, without whom nothing else 
-*• could be, we would bring Thee the wor- 
ship of grateful and adoring hearts. Thy wis- 
dom and power are the source from which all 
things proceed ; thy law is the authority which 
holds all things in order ; thy tender mercies 
are strewn through all thy works. In every 
public and in every private capacity may it be 
our supreme desire and purpose to obey, honor, 
and love Thee ; which we ask in the name of 
Christ. 



35 



* 



* 



XXXV. 

T3ENIGNANT Author of our being, Su- 
-*-* preme Ordainer of justice and goodness, 
when we think of Thee as Thou art, in all thy 
perfections, our hearts burn within us in adora- 
tion and love. O may the offerings which we 
bring be acceptable in thy sight. Wilt Thou 
be pleased to grant to us, and to all men, a fuller 
measure of thy Spirit. Speedily may the king- 
doms of this world become the kingdom of thy 
Christ, thy truth illuminating all the minds, 
even as thy sunshine lights up all the homes 
on the earth. 



* 36 



* 



XXXVI. 

T^TERNAL Maker and Master of our souls, 
— ' we rejoice to trace so much of thy mind 
in the fair round of thy works, the orderly pro- 
cession of the seasons and the stars. Still more 
grateful are we for the dearer revelations of thy 
character made unto us from age to age by thy 
chosen servants. We devoutly thank Thee also 
for the providence which has watched over our 
race, guiding them from nation to nation, across 
land and sea, even unto this happy shore and 
this auspicious period. And now, O God, make 
us, thy servants, strong and true to do the work 
laid upon us, that every good we have received 
from the past may be bettered in our hands, and 
sacredly preserved for the future. In the Re- 
deemer's name, we implore it. 



37 



* * 



XXXVII. 

/^\ LORD God, Giver of the snow and the 
^^^ sunshine, on whose bounty we exist and 
in whose mercy alone we can safely put our 
trust, we pray that in all our ways and through 
all our days the light of thy law may be the 
guidance of our minds, and the love of thy Spirit 
the stay of our hearts. Thus as long as we live 
may we fulfil all our duties as in thy sight ; and, 
when the hour of death comes, surrender our 
souls into thy hand without fear. And all the 
glory shall be to thy name. 



* 



38 



* 



XXXVIII. 

A LMIGHTY Lord, who overseest and judg- 
^ ^ est alike the worlds of immensity and the 
secret motions of our hearts, dominion and praise 
belong to Thee. Dominion and praise our souls 
shall ascribe to Thee now and forever. May it 
please Thee, Heavenly Father, to inspire the ser- 
vants of thy people to render a faithful service 
in their various places of trust. Wilt Thou give 
an ever-increasing efficacy to the working of thy 
law and the co-operating desires of good men 
throughout the earth. May evil after evil be 
overcome and abolished. May the light of every 
good example be lifted up to guide and redeem, 
until all mankind are freed by the truth and 
blessed with the blessedness of obedient faith 
and love. Rendering eternal adoration to Thee, 
the only wise and true God, we offer our prayer 
in the holy discipleship of thy Spirit. 



39 



XXXIX. 

/^\ THOU who to our minds art the repre- 
^-^ sentative of all that is known and of all 
that is unknown, in the beauty of thy mani- 
festations we worship Thee with grateful honor, 
in the unfathomable mystery of thine infinitude 
we worship Thee with speechless awe. O that 
in all things concerning us we might clearly 
perceive thy will, and adjust our ways to that 
supreme standard! O that we might be deliv- 
ered from wrongs, errors, and vices, and serve 
Thee with a perfect service ! Then should our 
people be a happy people, and our country 
shine abroad, an example to all the world. 
Hear, Lord, our humble supplication, and let 
thy favor attend us evermore. 



40 



* 



XL. 

A LL-WISE, All-good, All-powerful Sover- 
■**- eign, our Maker, our Friend, and our 
Judge, renewedly we bring Thee our homage. 
We breathe afresh in thy hearing our vows of 
fidelity to thy commandments. Brood, O Spirit 
of truth and love, — brood with thine inspira- 
tion over the minds and hearts of those whom 
our country has called to places of trust and 
power, and make them true to their duties. 
Lead us all to the unvarying practice of every 
civil and religious virtue. Cause us to appre- 
ciate the privileges set before us in this land of 
equal liberties, and aid us so to conduct our- 
selves that our future experience may be as 
rich in blessing as our past history has been 
full of promise. And to thy name be all the 
praise. 



41 



XLI. * 

T^ATHER and Ruler of all, be pleased to 
-*■ accept our praise and to listen to our 
supplication. Let not our daily cry unto Thee 
from this place be an empty ceremony, but, in 
every one of us, a true service of the soul. 
Correct our mistakes, O God, and forgive our 
transgressions, and supply our wants, and lead 
us forward through the paths of trustful obe- 
dience. Bring in the glorious time foretold by 
thy word, when the institutions of society and 
the souls of men everywhere shall be so ad- 
justed to the influences of truth and love, that 
as thy Spirit plays over them the whole expe- 
rience of the world shall be a music for the 
angels to hear. Yea, righteous Father, speed 
the time when all discords shall have passed 
away, and the long-embattled nations of the 
earth shall lie down together in peace, and a 
little child shall lead them, even the child born 
of thy providence in the manger at Bethlehem, 
whose benign voice these many centuries has 
been sounding abroad to harmonize with itself 
the interests and the passions of humanity. 



* 



XLII. 

TNFINITE God and Father, to whose de- 
■*■ crees individuals and nations alike must 
bow, again, with one voice, we offer Thee our 
homage and implore thy blessing on our meet- 
ing and work. In the enjoyment of our bless- 
ings may we never forget that we owe them to 
Thee. Amidst the responsibilities and cares, 
the duties and temptations, of life, may we al- 
ways remember that thine eye is on us. And 
when trouble and grief come, and death ap- 
proaches, may the assurance of thy constant 
goodness, and of the reality of a better world, be 
our never-failing consolation and support. The 
same prayer we also breathe for our fellow- 
countrymen in every part of the land. May 
we all dwell together in unity of spirit and the 
bond of peace, striving with brotherly love and 
patriotic devotion to increase each others wel- 
fare and the common good of the whole. 



43 



* 



* 



XLIII. 

/^ INFINITE One, whose breath is the in- 
^^ spiration of all life, and whose sole good- 
ness is the source alike of every personal, do- 
mestic, and public blessing, with joyous ardor 
we press around thy altar to offer Thee our 
love. Alas that our hearts are not purer in 
thy sight, our lives not worthier of thine ap- 
proval ! Correct us, forgive us, and be our 
saving guide. Speed, O God, the cause of free- 
dom and justice, education, morality, and relig- 
ion in every portion of the world ; and hasten 
forward the time when thy will shall be as 
completely done on the earth as it is in heaven. 
We offer this prayer in the name of our neces- 
sity, and supplicate a gracious answer for the 
sake of thy goodness. 



44 



* 



* 



XLIV. 

ORD of the heavenly hosts, and King of 
the inhabitants of the earth, from our 
lowly sphere we aspire to bear a part in the 
worship paid by those who kneel before thy 
throne. By self-surrender, by purity and sin- 
cere devotion, may we please Thee, and win 
thine approval on our prayers. Especially in 
this public place of honor and authority, we 
would pray for wisdom and consecration from 
above, that we may perform our duty to our 
fellow-citizens and our country in the most use- 
ful manner. May we never forget that the 
only true glory of a republic must rise from 
the virtues of its people. Grant thy blessing, 
O Lord, on all conditions of men in all parts of 
the world, and hasten the day when thy will 
shall be done everywhere without resistance. 



45 * 



* 



XLV. 

ORD, Thou hast been our dwelling-place 
^^ in all generations. Before the mountains 
were brought forth, or ever there was a man to 
till the ground, even from everlasting to ever- 
lasting, Thou art God. As for us, children of 
men, our days are as an handbreadth, and our 
age is as nothing before Thee. Like the flower 
of the field, so we flourish : for the wind pass- 
eth over it, and it is gone, and the place thereof 
shall know it no more. O, in the brief time of 
our mortal sojourn, grant that we may experi- 
ence a goodly measure of thy truth and love ; 
grant that we may in a goodly degree improve 
our privileges, and discharge our duties, and 
thus make a sound preparation for that change 
which will usher us into other regions of thine 
infinite empire, for a higher service and a purer 
joy, as we trust, in thy more immediate presence. 



* 46 * 



* 



XLVI. 

O EFORE Thee, O God, angels bow and 
-*^ archangels veil their faces. Shall not we, 
much more, be filled with awe when we approach 
Thee with penitential supplication ? Father, 
forgive our sins, and supply the wants we are 
ourselves unable to fulfil. Shed thy benedic- 
tions on the people, the rulers, the institutions 
of this country. Unite us all in a common alle- 
giance and a common good-will, and cause the 
fruits of the Gospel of Christ to abound in every 
home and in every heart throughout our bor- 
ders. Thus may the worth and welfare of thy 
children truly glorify Thee, the universal Parent. 



47 



* 



XLVII. 

T T J E pray, Heavenly Father, for a spirit of 
* * faith in Thee, and of reverence and obe- 
dience to thy will. Confessing our ignorance 
and our blameworthiness, we supplicate light 
and pardon from on high. When we think of 
thy holiness, of the unfailing love shown in thy 
providence, we deplore our alienation and insen- 
sibility, and beseech Thee to remould our minds 
into a diviner image. Make the path of duty 
plain, and give us a sacred energy to walk 
therein. Guide our deliberations to just and 
good results. Should we ever refuse to know 
thy ways, Lord, leave us not in our own, but 
draw us back to the service in which alone sal- 
vation and blessedness are to be found. Com- 
mending ourselves, with every interest of our 
beloved country, and of all mankind, to thy dis- 
posal, w T e ascribe immortal praise to thy name, 
through Jesus Christ the Redeemer. 



43 



* 



XLVIII. 

S~\ THOU Supreme Architect of the uni- 
^^ verse, after whose patterns all things are 
made, by whose will alone all creatures live, 
with reverent minds we would trace the order 
of thy works and co-operate in the fulfilment of 
thy decrees. To Thee, infinitely holy One, we 
look for victory over the temptations that assail 
us. May thy truth and love deliver us from the 
vices of our imperfect nature, and enable us to 
do a good work in our day and generation. 
Speed, O God, the triumph of pure morality 
and religion over the evils under which the 
world has sighed so long. Bring in the day 
when there shall no longer be need of armies 
or police or legislation, because every man shall 
have become a perfect law unto himself. We 
ask it as disciples of thy Spirit. 



49 



* 



XLIX. 

ORD God, Thou art the Lawgiver above all 
•* — ' lawgivers, the Judge of all judges ; and we 
come to Thee to confess our sins, to supplicate 
forgiveness, to seek thy guidance for ourselves, 
and thy favor on all that appertains to the wel- 
fare of our State and Nation. O God, keep us 
from errors and help us to the truth. By thine 
aid may we walk acceptably before Thee all the 
days of our lives, and after death find accept- 
ance in the heavenly home. Hear our prayer, 
Almighty Lord, and receive the homage we 
bring Thee, for thy name's sake. 



50 



* 



TV /T AKER of worlds, Sovereign of nations, 
-L* -*- and Father of souls, before engaging in 
the business of this place we lift our thoughts 
in adoration of thy majesty, in confession of 
our dependence and obligation, and in prayer 
for thy guidance. We desire that our worship 
shall be no idle offering of the lips, but a sin- 
cere service of the heart. May thy Spirit aid 
us to this. Let no selfish motives corrupt our 
public actions, but let an earnest love of justice 
and of the common welfare of all animate us 
in everything we do. As those who know that 
they are responsible to an omniscient Judge, we 
breathe this petition. Answer us in thy mercy, 
O Lord, and accept us. 



51 



* 



* 



LI. 

^XNCE more, Eternal Parent of men, assem- 
^- > ^ bling here, we join in devotion, seeking 
to worship Thee, the Infinite Spirit, in spirit 
and in truth. Thou givest us our life in this 
world, embedded in mysteries, but filled with 
blessings, — mysteries which compel our wonder, 
and blessings which demand our gratitude. O 
Lord, we acknowledge that all comes from 
Thee ; and we thank Thee. Lead us to co- 
operate with thy will, and never to resist it. 
May the charm of thy law supersede its terror 
in winning our obedience. Teach us, and our 
countrymen in every part of the Union, to ap- 
preciate the privileges of religious and political 
liberty which are offered so richly for our en- 
joyment. May the nations of the earth grow 
in wisdom, virtue, and freedom, in the experi- 
ence of a pious and happy life, until Thou shalt 
look down on the busy maze of humanity as 
Thou didst on the virgin creation, and see that 
all is very good. 



* 



LII. 

/^* OD of the elements, who rulest the storm 
^^ and the calm, who givest us the snowflake 
and the sunbeam ; God of providence, who pre- 
sidest over the evolution of history, still bring- 
ing good from evil, and distributing blessings 
on thy creatures ; God of the soul, who re- 
quirest truth and love in the inward parts, — we 
offer Thee our grateful tribute of adoration and 
praise afresh this day. O guide and keep us 
in thy service ! What good is it that we are 
made in thine image, if we learn not to know 
and love Thee, our Father, and to become as- 
sured of an eternal inheritance in Thee ? Teach 
us thy will, and make us submissive to it ; and 
we will glorify Thee evermore. 



* 



53 



* 



LIII. 

AI 7E thank Thee, O God, for this beautiful 
^ * day, — thy smile on thy works. We 
thank Thee for all the joy of our souls, — a 
token of thy goodness to thy children. We 
thank Thee for the social and political preroga- 
tives of this nation, — the rich inheritance from 
our fathers through thy providence. We thank 
Thee for the immortal hopes brought to us in 
the Gospel of Christ, — the signal proofs of thy 
never-failing mercy. Lord, we desire to show 
ourselves worthy of these blessings. Humbly 
confessing our ignorance and weakness, we im- 
plore thine assistance. Be pleased, O God, to 
listen to our cry ; deliver us from every wicked 
way, and lead us in the way everlasting. 



* 



54 



LIV. 

/~\ THOU boundless Force and Good, bound- 
^-^ less Truth and Love, of whose mind the 
universe is but a single expression, although 
we are infinitely removed from thy greatness 
we can think of Thee, obey Thee, aspire to- 
wards Thee ; and we would do so now. Lord, 
from thine unapproachable exaltation look down, 
and bring us into communion with Thee through 
the fellowship of thy Spirit. May the thought 
of thy serenity pacify our passions, the thought 
of thy purity cleanse away our evil, and the 
thought of thine immortality deliver us from 
the fear of death. Lead us, O Father, we pray 
Thee, — lead us through life in the path of duty, 
and at last receive us into heaven, for thy mer- 
cy's sake. 



55 



* 



LV. 

O O often, O God, as we gather in this cham- 
^-^ ber of legislation, and join in devotion, 
may a sacred sense of our duties to Thee, to 
our country, to our fellow-citizens, and to our- 
selves, be stirred and deepened within us. Let 
thine inspiration lift our souls to the height 
of a solemn and joyous communion with Thee 
through thy works and thy laws. Let a grate- 
ful appreciation of the proud legacy left by our 
fathers, and lately sealed by the sacrifices and 
blood of our brethren, quicken every generous 
sentiment of patriotism. And may we never 
forget, amidst the privileges and responsibilities 
of earth, that we are but pilgrims and sojourn- 
ers here, travelling towards a better country, 
even a heavenly ; for the true Fatherland of 
Immortals can be nowhere save thy presence, 
O thou Parent of good. In Christ's name we 
pray Thee to be our guide and our refuge for- 
evermore. 



5^ 



* 



* * 



LVI. 

TV IT OST merciful God, we bow before Thee 
^*-*- with lowly mind to supplicate thy favor. 
Indebted to Thee for all things, we kneel and 
ask Thee to do with us as Thou wilt, and espe- 
cially to make us the servants of thy will. Guide 
us in our consultations for the welfare of the 
State. Multiply and extend everything that 
is good in our country, lessen and remove what- 
ever is evil. As the springtide and summer 
fruits are now approaching, so may returning 
harmony and prosperity spread over all parts of 
the land, healing and hiding the scars of alien- 
ation and war. Everywhere thy kingdom come 
and thy will be done, in the name of Christ. 



57 



* 



* 



LVII. 

A UTHOR of this fair and varied world, 
•* ^ Searcher of hearts, we would fain make 
the sincerity of our devotions correspond with 
thy mercies, which are new every morning and 
fresh every evening. O that our prayers might 
be as acceptable in thy sight as thy gifts are 
precious in ours ! We gratefully adore the 
providence to which we owe alike the blessings 
transmitted from the past and the hopes nour- 
ished by the promises of the future. Help us, 
in our day, to render services commensurate 
with our obligations. And when all things be- 
low are ended, states and nations passed away, 
pardoned and perfected may we rejoice in thy 
presence, irradiated by the smile whose light 
shall supersede sun and moon forever. 



58 



* 



LVIII. 

T T EAVENLY Father, awed by the thought 
*■ * of thine infinite majesty, abandoning all 
pride and wilfulness, we devoutly commend our- 
selves to thy guidance. Be pleased to shed thy 
benediction on our hearts, to let the hallowing 
presence of thy love light our homes, and to 
make the keeping of thy commandments and 
the enjoying of thy love the glory and the bliss 
of our people. Be Thou the Ruler of our rulers, 
the Inspirer of our counsellors, the Moulder of 
our national institutions and destinies, that this 
country may become a redeeming example to 
the rest of the world. Through Christ we offer 
our prayer, and ascribe eternal honors to thy 
name. 



59 



* 



LIX. 

A S we look up to supplicate the Divine bless- 
■* ^ ing on the interests here represented, O 
Thou to whom we are indebted for all we enjoy, 
and responsible for all we do, may thy Spirit 
rest on us, and overrule every shortcoming of 
ours. May no personal vanities or vices inter- 
fere with the comfort of our mutual counsel, or 
mar the integrity of our legislation. May a 
disinterested regard for what is just and be- 
nign supremely actuate us all. We pray, O 
God, for thy favor on all the citizens of our 
country in every portion of the land. May 
those who in this generation occupy places of 
authority and trust discharge their duties with 
such fidelity that their influence may result in 
an ever-increasing prosperity, purity, and glory, 
through ages yet to come. And all the praise 
shall be thine, through our Lord Jesus Christ. 



60 



LX. 

T ONOR and praise, obedience and love, 
-* -** forever, O Lord, from us unto Thee : 
truth and good, mercy and peace, forever from 
Thee unto us. Let thy Spirit deepen our feel- 
ings of dependence and obligation before Thee, 
and quicken our desires to serve and please 
Thee in all we do. Remembering how many 
generations previous to the present one have 
been tried in the probations of thy providence, 
and with what various results, may we seri- 
ously heed and profit by their experience. Re- 
membering how many nations before our own 
have been lifted to the pinnacle of greatness, 
found wanting, and plunged into hopeless ruin, 
may we take the solemn warning, and strive to 
shape all the institutions and usages of this 
land by the everlasting principles of righteous- 
ness. Meet and smile on us in these sacred 
wishes, Father, and crown us with thy favor. 



* 6i * 



LXI. 

TT7E thankfully and adoringly acknowledge, 
* * celestial King, our absolute indebtedness 
to Thee. Afresh we recognize the duty of all 
creatures to worship thy majesty and obey thy 
decrees. Wilt Thou reveal Thyself to us more 
fully, and help us to live in closer conformity to 
thy requirements ? We pray Thee to preside 
over and guide our doings here this day. And 
on the morrow, when in accordance with ances- 
tral custom, in common with all the people of 
the State, we keep a day of fasting and prayer, 
be it our purpose seriously to review our lives, 
study our personal and public duties in the light 
of thy law, humble ourselves in penitence over 
our sins, and aspire towards a better future. 
Saviour of our fathers, we breathe this prayer 
in the same faith which animated them, like 
them commending ourselves to thy merciful 
care, and saying after them, God save the Com- 
monwealth of Massachusetts ! 



* 



62 



LXII. 

T T J E direct our prayer unto Thee, Lord of 
* * every heart and Governor of all nations, 
trusting that in thy mercy Thou wilt hear and 
answer us. By a reverential communion with 
Thee, may we partake more largely of thine at- 
tributes, and thus be freed from our vices and 
raised above our frailties. Especially in all pub- 
lic relations may we see our duty with single 
eye, and fulfil it with consecrated mind. O bless 
our State both in its secular and its sacred in- 
terests. Guard our Union of States with all the 
hopes intrusted to it for other lands and future 
ages. Compass our country with thy favor as 
with a shield, from generation to generation. 
And boundless praise shall be offered Thee, O 
God, forever, in the name of Christ. 



63 



* * 



LXIII. 

/^\ LORD, every morning anew Thou unseal- 
est our eyes from slumber and unveilest 
thy world from darkness. Every evening Thou 
droppest the curtain of stars and stillness over 
the earth, and thy banner above thy children is 
love while they sleep. Therefore at morn and 
even will we worship Thee anew, O God, fold- 
ing our hands to nightly repose in thy care, 
opening our eyes and going forth to daily work 
under thy guidance. Keep us this day without 
sin. Every day help us to offer Thee a pleas- 
ing service in our various places of duty. And 
when all our days and nights below shall end, 
welcome us to the eternal day of thy presence, 
where there shall be no more night. Grant 
these petitions for the sake of thine infinite love, 
and we will adore Thee forever. 



6 4 



LXIV. 

S~\ THOU, who art the sole Maker and Ruler 
^^ of all that is, to Thee we owe our being, 
to Thee we are constantly indebted for every 
blessing. How can we fail to honor and love 
Thee in the very depths of our souls, without 
the most shameful ingratitude ? Ah, let thy 
grace withhold us from such apostasy, and draw 
us with fresh sincerity of devotedness to the 
fulfilment of every obligation. With contrite 
hearts, O Lord, we confess our transgressions 
before Thee, and beseech thy forgiving bene- 
diction for ourselves, for our country, and for 
all mankind. 



65 



* 



LXV. 

/^* OD of all that ever was, or is, or shall be, 
^ Cause and Director of all changes though 
in Thyself knowing no change throughout eter- 
nity, as thine intelligent and responsible chil- 
dren we worship Thee and seek to conform 
every purpose of our hearts to thine ordinances. 
Thou revealest the laws of thy power, wisdom, 
and goodness alike in the crystal flakes of snow, 
the orbits of the stars, the beauty of the earth's 
fruits, the unfoldings of history, and the pro- 
phetic aspirations of conscience. May we dili- 
gently study these things, the more clearly to 
understand our duty and the better to fulfil it. 
We pray for grace to set such examples in our 
several spheres as shall lead others to truth 
and virtue, and so tend to redeem the world. 



* 66 * 



* * 



LXVI. 

f NFINITE Spirit of truth and love, who art 
■*■ pleased to reveal something of the wisdom 
of thy mind in the order of thy works, some- 
thing of the benignity of thine affection in the 
tenderness of thy ways, and something of the 
unvarying justice of thy rule in the sure re- 
wards of obedience and the inevitable penalties 
of broken law, we kneel before Thee with fresh 
ascriptions of praise and adoration. May thy 
Spirit guide us to study the indications of thy 
purposes through all things around and within 
us, and ever to conform our preferences to 
thine. Enable us by our characters and con- 
duct to honor the State we represent, and to 
serve the country whose favored citizens we 
are. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done ev- 
erywhere in perfection. 



* 67 * 



* 



LXV.II. 

T7VERLASTING and Almighty God, with 
-* — ' reverential trust we submit ourselves to 
thy disposal, knowing that thy reign is equally 
the reign of righteousness and goodness, of jus- 
tice and mercy. We look up to Thee, and im- 
plore light in our darkness, guidance in our 
uncertainty, pardon in our sin, inspiration and 
immortality in our decay and death. We com- 
mend to thy Spirit all the wretched culprits 
and wanderers of the world ; that thy truth 
may shine into their minds, and redeem them 
from the error of their ways. We pray for all 
the afflicted and unhappy ones among the chil- 
dren of men ; that thy love may breathe on their 
hearts and make them bloom again with hope 
and joy. And always recognizing the source 
of our deliverance, O Giver of every good gift, 
may we all sincerely worship Thee forever. 



68 



* 



* 



LXVIII. 

O OLITARY and boundless Sovereign of the 
^ universe, whose law alone, as manifest in 
the arrangement and design of thy works, is 
the supreme standard of right, we desire that 
thy will may be done in every act of our lives, 
every impulse of our hearts. We humble our- 
selves in grief over all our deviations from thy 
commandments. Let thy mercy be sufficient 
for our need, O Thou whose mercy is infinite. 
Put it into the minds of those who make our 
laws to enact nothing but what is just and 
good. Make the intelligence and virtue of our 
people such, their loyalty and good-will such, 
that a spontaneous observance of the conditions 
of public welfare shall be their joy, every form 
of vice and misery becoming less and less be- 
fore the steady growth of good works and a 
pure faith. So we pray, adoring Thee, in the 
name of Christ. 



* 



69 



* 



LXIX. 

I NFINITE Source of goodness and beauty, 
■*- God of light and order, O let thy Spirit 
move over our hearts and tune them to har- 
mony. Receiving from Thee, ever afresh, the 
gift of our existence with its inexhaustible hopes, 
we humbly own our dependence, and desire with 
filial aspiration and gratitude to keep thy laws, 
return Thee our thanks, and surrender our fate 
into thy hands. We praise Thee, O Lord, for 
the good things in this State, for the rights and 
privileges so freely enjoyed in this land. That 
great sum of blessings bequeathed by our fa- 
thers, defended and preserved by the counsels 
of the wise, the sacrifices of the generous, and 
the blood of the brave, may we transmit it, aug- 
mented and improved, to our children's children, 
until the latest generation. To this end, mer- 
ciful God, without whose favor we can do noth- 
ing well, hear our prayer, and grant us thine 
aid. 



70 



* 



* * 



LXX. 

P RAMER of our bodies and Father of our 
spirits, with adoring gratitude and solemn 
joy we think of Thee as Thou art enthroned in 
thine inconceivable perfections, eternity itself 
bringing no change to Thee. We prostrate 
ourselves in humiliation and shame as we re- 
member all our unworthiness before Thee. O 
listen to the lowly cry we lift from the dust, and 
forgive us every trespass. Thanks be unto 
Thee, Lord, for the goodly measure of justice, 
liberty, and prosperity enjoyed in this land. 
Help us worthily to serve the State, each one 
doing his share to lessen the evils and to en- 
large the blessings prevalent among us. To 
this end accept our homage, and let thy favor 
compass us as a shield, O Thou unto whom all 
flesh shall come to perform their vows. 



71 



LXXI. 

f~\ LORD, with the deepest devotion we can 
know, we would now bend before thy 
throne in adoration and entreaty. Glory be to 
Thee in thine unspeakable greatness, and, still 
more, glory be to Thee in the never-failing 
manifestations of thy loving-kindness. The sub- 
jects of thy power, and the constant recipients 
of thy bounty, we offer Thee the only return 
we can bring, — our sincere gratitude and our 
earnest desire to do thy will. O forgive our 
sins, and let thy grace make up for every defi- 
ciency in us. We thank Thee for every good 
institution and usage in our State and Nation, 
and beseech Thee to smile on them and perfect 
them, removing everything Thou seest amiss 
among us. And in the years to come, as this 
country is signalized by special social and po- 
litical privileges, so may we be distinguished 
among all the nations of the earth as a peculiar 
people, zealous of good works, and devoted to 
thy glory. 



72 



* 



LXXII. 

TIT HAT are we, great Lord of all, that we 
should presume to address Thee, the In- 
finite God ? Ah, by the gracious revelation of 
thy Spirit we know that we are thine offspring, 
the objects of thy love and pity. May this 
blessed and sublime assurance arm us for every 
temptation, strengthen us for every task, com- 
fort us in every sorrow, and be our stay in the 
last solemn hour. Eternal One ! when we re- 
flect before Thee on the long line of nations 
which in their time have passed across the earth 
and vanished, destroyed by their vices, with fer- 
vent solicitude we pray for our own country, 
that she may take warning from the dread ex- 
ample, and observe the laws of righteousness 
and piety ; and thus perpetuate her blessings 
in growing purity as long as the sun and moon 
shall endure. Answer our prayer with thy fa- 
vor, O Lord, which we ask for thy mercy's sake 
in Jesus Christ. 

* 73 * 



* 



LXXIII. 

A LMIGHTY God, with one accord we bow 
before Thee, to own thine absolute sov- 
ereignty, and to pray that we may blend and 
perfect our wills in the sole fulfilment of thine. 
With humble minds we confess our ignorance 
and frailty ; with grief and shame, our folly and 
sin. Depending on thy goodness, encouraged 
by thy promises, we look up and implore thy 
pardon for our errors in the past, thy gracious 
guidance for our conduct in the future. We 
acknowledge thy constant benignity to us and 
to our country, and pray that we may have 
grace to show our gratitude by obedience as 
well as by praise. Asking these things through 
thy mercy, we would ascribe unfailing honor to 
thy name evermore. 



74 



* " * 



* 



LXXIV. 

F NFINITE Creator, Preserver, and Benefac- 
-*- tor, we gratefully acknowledge the gift of 
this beautiful day, so full of light and peace 
and manifold blessings. While its golden hours, 
crowned with all the budding promise of the 
spring, float by, may we honor and serve Thee 
with a pure service. We thank Thee for the 
glorious heritage of our native land, spread out 
between the oceans, under the sky, in all its va- 
ried magnificence and bountifulness, the proud- 
est mansion and the humblest hut embraced by 
equal laws and open to common privileges. May 
we show our appreciation of the boon by the 
moral and religious fidelity of our conduct in 
every public and every private relation. We 
ask it in the name of Christ, the Saviour, ascrib- 
ing eternal homage to Thee. 



75 



* 



* 



LXXV. 

A LL-CONTAINING and everlasting God, 
thy love has called us into being. Thy 
wisdom and power have built around us this 
fair order of nature, with its succession of wel- 
come seasons. Thy providence has given us 
the alternation of day and night, with its busy 
cares and its sweet repose. Thy justice has es- 
tablished obligations which can never be broken 
with impunity. And, beyond this present scene, 
there is another world which shall explain all 
mysteries and rectify all wrongs. O Father, 
with our deepest wonder and love we praise 
Thee. In every exigency of duty or distress, 
wilt Thou give us light and strength from above, 
and help us to adore Thee with obedient lives 
as well as with worshipful lips. Let thy Spirit 
animate us to diligence and faithfulness, and 
finally bring us all to thine abode. 



76 



* 



* 



LXXVI. 

(~* OMMUNING with Thee, O Lord, through 
^"" / the order of thy works and through the 
benignity of thy ways, we gratefully feel our 
privileges as children of the Most High, kings 
of the world that now is, and heirs of the world 
to come. We adore Thee for the fair creation in 
which we live, the handiwork of thy fingers, and 
for the immeasurable blessings, the gifts of thy 
love, which we enjoy. We thank Thee for the 
services, examples, and memories of all the great 
and good men who have lived before us. Aid 
us by thy Spirit, O God, so to train our souls 
by the principles of truth and virtue, that, as we 
live from year to year, we may find nature con- 
stantly growing lovelier to us, our fellow-men 
dearer, our duties more sacred, our country a 
more blessed scene of excellence and prosperity, 
the hope of immortality stronger, and the ap- 
probation of our consciences more clear and full. 



^ 77 ^ 



* 



LXXVII. 

O OVEREIGN Majesty, whose are the power 
^ and love of all things, in the universal wor- 
ship rising to thy throne we too would bear our 
humble part, and, taking thy name on our lips, 
lay a tribute of adoration upon thine altar. As 
we struggle here below, amidst temptations and 
burdens, may thy Spirit often descend into our 
bosoms, to free us for a little time from the 
bondage of care and the weariness of passing 
vanities. Let a thought of thine infinity en- 
large the scope of our souls, and a sense of thy 
repose flow in unutterable peace over the tur- 
moil of our passions. Assist us, Heavenly Fa- 
ther, at all times so to rule and bear ourselves 
that we may enjoy thine approval while we jour- 
ney through life, and secure thy welcome when 
we reach the goal after death. In the name 
and way which Thou hast appointed, we offer 
our prayer. 



* 78 * 



LXXVIII. 

f~\ GOD, Author of the universe, Overseer of 
our souls, Judge to whom we are all ac- 
countable forever, we adore Thee in thy perfec- 
tion, we thank Thee for thy bounty, we implore 
mercy at thy hands for all our shortcomings. 
Aid us, Infinite Wisdom, in our capacity here 
as representatives of the public authority and 
welfare, to discharge our duties with discretion, 
promptitude, and purity. Smile on all the in- 
stitutions of learning, science, and art in our 
State, dedicated to the increase of mental cul- 
ture, moral refinement, and the highest improve- 
ment of the people. Raise up friends and bene- 
factions to advance them to their fullest perfec- 
tion and the greatest abundance of good fruits. 
Thus may our State grow constantly better and 
happier, and thy name have the glory. 



79 



LXXIX. 

f~\ THOU Infinite Mystery, from whom this 
^^ universal frame of things has proceeded, 
and on whose unfailing bounty all creatures live, 
as we meditate on thine attributes we are lost 
in incapable wonder, and can only adore Thee 
with speechless awe and trust. Above all things 
else that we desire, O God, we would that we 
might know thy will, and do it, have thine ap- 
probation, and enjoy it. O, reveal our duties 
clearly to us, and give us, at the same time, a 
sufficient inclination to perform them. As citi- 
zens of this great and free country, so signally 
favored by thy providence in its past history, 
we earnestly pray that our rulers may be good 
men wisely following the counsels of thy Spirit, 
and that our fellow-countrymen, with one ac- 
cord, wherever the Constitution and flag extend, 
may obey the laws and set an example of fidelity 
and prosperity that shall be a powerful influence 
to liberate and redeem the earth. In the name 
of Christ, graciously hear our prayer, and grant 
us thy blessing. 

80 



* 



LXXX. 

A NCIENT of days, and Lord of all destinies, 
who, without variableness or the shadow 
of a turning, lookest from thy still eternity on 
the rise and fall of nations, the appearance and 
disappearance of worlds, how can we, the frail 
creatures of change and decay, whose life is but 
a breath, and whose days are but a span, — how 
can we worthily adore and serve Thee ? Ah, 
let thy Spirit teach us how. Let thy love guide 
us. Let thy love purify and bless us. The 
same prayer which we breathe for ourselves we 
would breathe for our fellow-citizens and for all 
men, in the name of Christ, through whom we 
offer Thee eternal honors. 



81 



* 



LXXXI. 

A LMIGHTY God, whom no man can ever 
•^ * comprehend, yet whom no man can ever 
escape, Thou hast beset us behind and before 
in hallowed memories and divine hopes, and 
laid thine hand upon us in the admonitions of 
conscience. Glory be to Thee for the evening 
shade in which we lie down to sleep, and for 
the morning light in which we rise up and go 
forth to our work. We worship Thee, O Lord, 
for thine attributes, and we thank Thee anew 
for thy benefits. Let thy blessing rest on our 
consultations here. Overrule unto good all that 
we do. Perfect our State and our nation, in the 
justice of its institutions, the wisdom of its of- 
ficers, the virtues of its people, and the glory 
that shall shine over its borders. We offer our 
prayer in the manner of thine appointment, 
and ascribe to thy name praise without end. 



82 



LXXXII. 

f^ OD of all creatures, amid the uncertainty 
and turmoil of our days below, may we 
have peace of mind, resting in the serene as- 
surance that, since all things are in thy power, 
nothing can go hopelessly amiss. There must 
be payment for every pang, rectification for 
every wrong. Help us, in our mutual dealings, 
to imitate the forbearing kindness shown by thy 
Providence, which still, with open arms, invites 
the remotest prodigal to return. Soften, O 
Lord, and remove the local prejudices and par- 
tisan passions which exasperate and divide our 
people. Increase the lofty patriotism, the con- 
secration to liberty and humanity, which should 
unite all generous souls in one common bond 
of duty and joy. Grant unto our country an 
era of peace and unity never to end, in which 
we shall display a private friendliness and a 
public devotion as unlimited as our blessings. 



* 



LXXXIII. 

O UPREME Ruler in heaven and earth, we 
humbly acknowledge our dependence. We 
sorrowfully confess our deficiencies. We grate- 
fully adore thy sovereignty, and aspire to par- 
take of thy perfections. As public representa- 
tives of the State, we pray that Thou wilt give 
us wisdom and fidelity. We pray that all good 
institutions among us may flourish, and bring 
forth fruits more abundantly ; and that the time 
may soon come when Thou shalt look down 
with entire approbation on all within the limits 
of our beloved country. We ask it in the name 
of Christ, through whom be praises unto Thee 
without end. 



8 4 



* 



* 



LXXXIV. 

ORD, as we come together again in this 
*-^ place, we would devoutly join to suppli- 
cate thy favor. May thy majesty be wor- 
shipped by every heart, and thy law be en- 
throned in every will. O let thy Spirit cleanse 
and sanctify our consciences, and guide all our 
deliberations purely to the end of the public 
honor and welfare. Gracious God, we thank 
Thee for the unspeakable worth of the heritage 
secured to the coming generations of humanity 
in this free and happy land of the West. From 
the depths of our hearts we pray that the lib- 
erality and benignity of American institutions 
may inspire American citizens to show by the 
generosity of their characters and the holiness 
of their lives that they are worthy to enjoy ad- 
vantages and set an example in lead of the rest 
of the world. Kindly heed our petition, Infi- 
nite One, and accept the adoration we bring 
Thee. 



* 



LXXXV. 

A LMIGHTY and everlasting God, Friend of 
our fathers in all ages, protector of our 
brethren in all places, in thy Spirit there is one 
fellowship of the faithful everywhere and for- 
ever. Teach us to know that we are thine 
whether we live or die, and thus to feel no fear 
either before the perils of life or before the mys- 
tery of death. Smile on the leaders and rulers 
of our land. Cause them all to be animated by 
noble motives alone, and enable them in their 
day and generation to render good service to 
the permanent interests of men. May the laws 
enacted and the customs observed among us 
be ever better and better adjusted to thy will, 
so as to tend more purely to increase the hap- 
piness of the people and secure the unfailing 
glory of our country. 



86 



* 



LXXXVI. 

A UTHOR of everything that is, without thy' 
-**■ will no event can take place, and except 
in unison with thy will never can a created soul 
find rest. Whatever be our lot and care, there- 
fore, whether we toil in secrecy or in the open 
council-chambers of the nation, we would turn 
to Thee for help and light and justification. 
Who, O Lord, ever resisted Thee, and knew 
peace ? Who ever truly surrendered to Thee, 
and knew it not ? May the beautiful order which 
reigns throughout the realms of nature be re- 
flected and completed in the realm of humanity, 
the truths and virtues of morality and religion 
overcoming all obstacles to the universal right- 
eousness and happiness of men. Pour thy light 
through every guilty corner in our breasts, and 
illuminate every refuge of lies, that we may be 
brought into clearness with ourselves and into 
harmony with Thee. We humbly ask it through 
thy Spirit. 



*7 



LXXXVII. 

/^"^ OD of perfect holiness, how can we ever 
stand before Thee, except in penitential 
shame ? What ingratitude is ours, if we do not 
worship Thee and aspire to Thee with the deep- 
est sincerity of our souls, bringing the holiest 
fires of our hearts to burn upon thine altar ! 
Governor and Judge of all nations, bless our 
country. Grant us an increase of knowledge, 
virtue, and devotion. Give us a peace and 
prosperity which shall endure forever, because 
based on the keeping of thy commandments. 
Since we were last here, Lord, thy providence 
has removed one of our number from this world. 
We pray that his death may be sanctified to his 
family, to his friends, and to his associates in 
public life. We would be still a moment and 
know that Thou art God. May we heed the 
voice which speaks in such solemn tones above 
the frailties of our nature and the stormy pas- 
sions of the world, saying, Be ye also ready : 
for the summons may come to any of you in 
an hour when ye think not. 

88 



* 



* * 



LXXXVIII. 

/""* OD of nature, Father of humanity, hear 
^-^ our prayer. Let thy Spirit purify us and 
teach us how to pray aright. Help us, O Lord, 
to outgrow every error and vice. Make thy 
truth illumine all our minds, as thy sunshine 
lights all our homes. May our legislation be 
based on justice and perfected in love, and prove 
a means of lasting good. We commend the des- 
tinies of these United States to thy special keep- 
ing ; and that all men may learn to do thy will 
on earth as the angels do it in heaven, shall ever 
be our petition. 



89 



►£« >b 



LXXXIX. 

r NFINITE Spirit of truth and love, listen to 
our prayer. Come and take possession of 
our souls. Teach us always clearly to know 
what our duty is, and give us the spirit to fulfil 
it. Free us from all petty passions and ignoble 
habits. Fill us with the love of truth, the love 
of our country, the love of humanity, and, above 
all, with the love of Thee, O our God ! As we 
remember the wrongs and sorrows of men in all 
ages, the disinterested sacrifices and sufferings 
of the noblest members of our race for the re- 
demption of the rest, may the hardness of our 
hearts melt, and a regenerating affection fall on 
us from above. Rebuke, we pray Thee, and 
overthrow every corrupt and despotic ruler, and 
send the gladdening light of thy love through 
all the lowly places of the world. 



90 



G 



xc. 

OD of the morning light and the evening 
shade, giver of sunshine and rain, we 
would learn through thy works to recognize 
thy power and benignity, and to walk in filial 
fellowship with thy Spirit. If Thou wert strict 
to mark iniquity, O Lord, who could stand ? 
But there is mercy with Thee, that Thou mayest 
be trusted as well as revered. May both the 
awe of thy justice and the love of thy good- 
ness lead us to fulfil all our duties before Thee 
with a sacred fidelity. We pray for all the 
towns and villages of this Commonwealth, — 
the scattered communities nestling among the 
hills and valleys of Massachusetts, in the en- 
joyment of privileges so rich and peaceful. Ev- 
erywhere may the benediction of thine attri- 
butes brood, and the incense of the gratitude 
of thy children rise. And wilt Thou, by thy 
providence, perpetuate the manifold political 
and social blessings among us, even to the last 
generation of time. 



91 



* 



XCI. 

f\ GOD, who suffusest the universe with thy 
glory, and wipest the tears of mourners by 
thy grace, we have not known Thee, have not 
served and loved Thee as we ought to have done. 
How magnificent is thy providence over the 
worlds of space! How tender and soothing is 
thy presence to the children of men ! We pray 
that Thou wilt reveal thyself to us in thine un- 
speakable perfections, till everything else grows 
dim and insignificant in comparison with Thee. 
We think of Thee as the boundless divinity 
whose will is law, whose word is truth, whose 
name is love. O purify our hearts, enlighten 
our minds, and elevate us into such conformity 
with Thee that we may perceive all life to be 
the breath of thy Spirit, all joy the token of 
thy benevolence, all beauty the reflection of thy 
happiness, all aspiration the attraction of thy 
purposes. Then shall nature be to us but one 
revelation of Thee, the world itself a temple, 
and our whole experience a living religion. 



92 



* 



* 



XCII. 

A GAIN, Lord and Father Almighty, as we 
gather to our consultation and labor here, 
we present ourselves before Thee to invoke and 
supplicate thy benediction. The heavens and 
the earth are full of thy glory, and every crea- 
ture must acknowledge thy mercies. O lift 
our spirits to the height of thy fellowship, and 
bless them with the peacefulness of thy pure 
service. Hear our prayer in behalf of the in- 
terests of our country. Let thy Spirit brood 
in protecting love over every part of the land. 
Make the American people a people signalized 
among the nations of the earth alike by their 
piety, their virtue, their prosperity, and their 
happiness. And may all the children of men' 
be led by thy providence through a constant 
improvement in the excellence of their worth 
and joy unto the end of time. 



>b 93 * 



* 



XCIII. 

T TEAVENLY Father, we devoutly thank 
* ■*- Thee for the beauty and the blessedness 
of this day. Give us, O God, spirits to enjoy 
thy glorious works, piously to keep thy com- 
mandments, and evermore to worship the Giver 
of all. Grateful for the priceless privileges of 
our homes, we pray that our personal purity 
and integrity may make them homes of truth, 
love, and peace. When we think of the na- 
tions of old, ravaged by incessant wars, groan- 
ing under relentless taskmasters, crushed by 
insufferable burdens of oppression, ignorance, 
and vice, and then contemplate the matchless 
blessings diffused among our countrymen, an 
incense of thankful adoration rises from our 
hearts, and we lay on thine altar, O Lord, the 
vow to be faithful to every public duty. Listen 
to our prayer, Father: guide us while we live, 
and take us when we die ; but let not our coun- 
try ever die, or the honor and welfare of our 
children come to an end. 



* 



94 



XCIV. 

P TERNAL Parent of men, benign Maker of 
^-^ the world, on such a day as this, filled 
with the splendor of promise and clothed with 
the beauty of opening summer, as we wander 
under the blue skies, among the waving trees, 
we are no true children of thy Spirit if our 
hearts do not overflow with gratitude and love. 
Remove from us all which would mar the ful- 
ness of our joy and of our harmony with thy 
works. Free us also from every selfish passion 
and vice which would alienate us from our fel- 
low-countrymen, or keep us from the full appre- 
ciation and enjoyment of the privileges of Amer- 
ican citizenship. What a nation, Lord, thy 
providence has given us, how blessed in its sit- 
uation and lot, girdled by the continental moun- 
tains, sheltered between the oceans, crowded 
with inexhaustible material riches, and crowned 
with unmatched political blessings. Help us to 
appreciate it. Make us worthy of it and faith- 
ful to it. And ordain, we supplicate Thee, its 
perpetual duration. 

95 



xcv. 

f~\ THOU Infinite God, in whom and by 
^-^ whom alone we live, we aspire to know 
something more of Thee, as Thou knowest ev- 
erything of us. Open our intelligence to thy 
light, and subdue our affections to thy love. 
Let the charms of thy service prevent its bur- 
dens, the loyalty of our consciences making thy 
yoke light and sweet to bear. In addition to 
thine other gifts, O Lord, we implore Thee to 
give thyself now to our faith, and through the 
deep purification of our hearts enable us to see 
Thee, in experimental fulfilment of the promise 
divinely made of old, and divinely renewed every 
moment, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for 
they shall see God." Almighty Ruler, hold thy 
shield over our country in storm and sun, that 
every evil thing among us may wither away, 
and every good thing grow to perfection. We 
ask it in the discipleship of him who hath taught 
the world to say, "Our Father who art in heav- 
en, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come." 

96 



* 



XCVI. 

TNSCRUTABLE Sovereign, ever-present Fa- 
-*- ther, who hast promised to forgive the pen- 
itent and to bestow every requisite gift on those 
who ask, O condescend to our cry. Pardon 
our offences, save us from evil, and help us ac- 
cording to our needs in every exigency of life 
and death. From all superstition and infidelity, 
from all uncharitableness and sloth, from all nar- 
row prejudices or cruel hates, good Lord, deliver 
us. Give us pity for the sins chargeable on our 
fellows, penitence for those we have ourselves 
committed. Give us sympathy to share the griefs 
of others, fortitude to bear our own. We beseech 
Thee to bless the public representatives and ser- 
vants here before Thee. Cleanse them from 
every fault which would mar their service, and 
endow them abundantly with every virtue needed 
for the best completion of the work assigned 
them. And grant, O thou Ruler of all the earth, 
that the interests of this dear country of our hearts 
may flourish as long as the skies shall bend above 
its mountains and its rivers run to the sea. 

97 



* 



XCVII. 

/~* OD of righteousness and mercy, every 
^-^ blessed gift comes from Thee. We owe 
ourselves to Thee. Knowing our manifold in- 
competency, we implore the power of thy Spirit 
to make us pure, to guide us aright, to animate 
us under our tasks, and finally to save us all. 
We cannot meet in this chamber of legislation, 
amid such proofs of open weal, without emotions 
of patriotic pride and grateful piety. Long may 
thy smile rest on us and the generations which 
shall come after us. Enjoying a freedom and 
comfort such as other countries have sighed for 
but perished without beholding, may the citizens 
of Massachusetts, all the citizens of the Union, 
stand fast in their liberty, and strive to improve 
in everything good. O God, make our people 
trust, obey, and aspire ; and teach our rulers 
that true statesmanship, — the art of converting 
what is into what ought to be. Lead us in the 
paths of duty and peace, and where we prove 
defective let thy grace be our sufficiency. 



98 



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XCVIII. 

S~\ NCE more, O our Father, as we ascend to 
^^ these seats of law and counsel, we would 
purify ourselves by meditation and prayer for 
the duties before us. In this capitol, dedicated 
to the interests of the State, we desire to rise out 
of all personal prejudices, and to weigh every 
measure, as in thy sight, with impartial con- 
science. From blindness of mind and hardness 
of heart, from every perverse bias or self-conceit, 
Almighty God, set us free, and set the whole 
body of our fellow-citizens free. Make the local 
animosities which have sometimes placed differ- 
ent parts of the land in opposition sleep hence- 
forth as deeply as the bosoms of the martyred 
dead whose blood has vindicated the common 
nationality. While heaven shall spread its blue 
tent over our country, may no occasion again 
cause us to pitch our white ones in warlike ar- 
ray beneath it. O be Thou in a special sense 
the God of this American people, making thy 
law their delight, and thy love their refuge. 



99 



* 



* 



XCIX. 

TI^ TERNAL Creator and universal Parent, 
— ' who every night infoldest thy children in 
slumber, and every day givest them their daily 
bread, we no sooner look up in worship of thy 
perfections than we are forced to look down in 
shame for our faults. Make us more like Thy- 
self. Help us to pass, pure and calm, through a 
corrupt and angry world. Cause thy wisdom to 
overrule our folly, thy mercy to vanquish our 
sins, every true interest of the State perpetually 
to flourish. May our institutions of art, educa- 
tion, charity, and religion be so many public 
fountains, set in the sunlight of popular liberty 
and aspiration, pouring streams of pure refresh- 
ment abroad, and making their votaries the or- 
naments of the land. When we shall have van- 
ished from earthly scenes, may our country stay 
in growing beauty and worth ; and still, from 
age to age, be better served by better men. As 
long as the seasons shall alternate in our sky, 
and new generations of citizens succeed in our 
homes, may thy will meet less and less obstruc- 



* 



* 



X C I X . — Continued, 

tion from the vices of men, and the many king- 
doms below more and more clearly mirror the 
one kingdom above. 

And now, Lord, that our deliberations here 
draw to a close, we pray for thy servants, that 
as they separate and return to their homes scat- 
tered far and wide over the Commonwealth, they 
may carry with them kindly recollections of each 
other, and the satisfaction of knowing that, what- 
ever errors they may have committed, they have 
meant to serve the best interests of their fellow- 
citizens, with , no mixture of private malice or 
any corrupt purpose. We ask it in the name of 
Christ. 



* 



c. 

/^\ LORD, peaceful and lovely is the earth 
this summer day. As Thou liftest up the 
gates of the morning, and throwest open the ev- 
erlasting doors of the world, and comest in, O 
thou King of Glory, let every heart exhale an 
incense of gratitude, and every tongue cry, 
" How beautiful are thy works, how merciful are 
thy ways." Before the awful infinitude of thine 
attributes, O God, we know that we are but as 
passing specks of nothingness. Yet our hearts 
shall not fail us, but we will look up with trust, 
remembering that the smallest things must still 
be dear to him who made them. 

We invoke Thee, almighty Sovereign, to smile 
on thy servants assembled here, and to endue 
them with every needed gift. Bless the precious 
homes from which they come, the varied com- 
munities they represent, the State whose chil- 
dren they are. May our great Union of States 
become ever fuller of happy citizens, abounding 
in domestic joys, friendly offices, public- glories, 



* 



C . — Continued. 

and divine hopes, until the sun and moon shall 
be no more. 

For the last time in this place, Heavenly Fa- 
ther, we now bow together before Thee. Thanks 
for the kindly ties that have been knit and shall 
not be broken. For, though we part from each 
other, we part never from Thee, and in Thee all 
things commune. If we never meet again in 
person, may we often meet again in pleasant 
remembrance, and, finally, once, in heaven. 
Amen, 



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